The Impending Threat of Space Debris: A Looming Satellite Catastrophe

The destruction of satellites through anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons and the resulting debris poses a significant threat to space activities. A recent study warns that the cascade of collisions caused by shattered satellites could render Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) unusable within 40 years. The Kessler syndrome, where collisions create a cloud of debris that destroys all satellites, is a potential outcome. The research highlights the need to regulate space activities and prevent the weaponization of outer space. The authors suggest that the nuclear arms race and the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) could serve as a model for controlling satellite warfare.